Atomic physics experiments at ion storage rings

Abstract

Within the last several years a number of heavy ion storage rings has been completed and the related experimental programs were started with striking success. Unique new results could be obtained — particularly in the field of atomic physics — by employing the outstanding possibilities of cooler rings for preparation and manipulation of high-quality beams of ions. Some of the new experimental possibilities provided by heavy ion storage rings are reviewed. Several groups of experiments involving inner-shell excitation in ion-atom and in electron-ion collisions are discussed. In addition, results are presented on work extending the classical scope of X-ray and inner-shell studies to a new class of atomic inner-shell physics experiments which have become feasible only by the construction and use of heavy ion storage rings.